BSc Geology with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Geology with Foundation Year, an undergraduate degree centred on earth sciences with an integrated preparatory year. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques. The course begins with a compulsory foundation year. The initial year establishes foundational scientific knowledge through compulsory modules including Becoming a Successful Global Scientist, Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences, Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes, and Sustainable Development Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
GCSE: English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above. A level: 32 points from a minimum of 2 A levels, including at least one pass in a science subject (Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology). 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP in a science related subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Use of Mathematics, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology). 12-unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma MP in a science related subject as above. BTEC National Diploma modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. All Access courses: P ass Access course (preferably from a science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing subject) including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above, or equivalent. For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice. T level: Pass. Any pathways related to Science/Engineering/Health. International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include grade 3 in one Higher Level science subject – English and mathematics must be included.
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What students say
Based on about 95 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 39 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 68%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 8%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 43%
- Wales: 7%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Successful Global Scientist
- Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences
- Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes
- Sustainable Development Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £36,500. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 73 UCAS points.
Is BSc Geology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
How many students continue on BSc Geology with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.